David Blunkett to leave his brain to dementia researchers

David Blunkett has pledged to leave his brain to scientists for dementia research.

The former Home Secretary is supporting a campaign to draw attention to the severe shortage of brains needed for the study of Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions.

It is hoped the move will encourage others to sign up to leave their brains to the £2million network of brain banks, Brains for Dementia Research.

Gesture: Former Cabinet minister David Blunkett, pictured here with new wife Dr Margaret Williams at their weeding in Sheffield 10 days ago, has agreed to donate his brain to scientists for dementia research

Mr Blunkett, 62, does not have dementia, but healthy brains are essential for research so they can be compared with those of dementia sufferers.

He said: 'As vice president of Alzheimer's Society I have seen first hand the devastating impact of this condition that affects 700,000 people in the UK.

'I hope to be using my brain for a good while yet, but I'm pleased to know that it may help people in the future when I no longer have need of it.'

The MP joins a growing number of high profile figures who plan to leave their brains to science after their deaths.

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Newsnight host Jeremy Paxman, actress Jane Asher and GMTV presenter John Stapleton have signed up to leave their brains to scientists investigating Parkinson's disease.

Professor Paul Francis, Director of Brains for Dementia Research at King's College London, said 'We estimate we need up to 200 brain donations each year to establish the banks and to replace tissue used in scientific studies.

'Brains from people without dementia are particularly important as they help us work out the differences between healthy older people and people with dementia.

'Much of what we know about the brain, how it works and current dementia treatments come from research on donated brain tissue.

'Brains for Dementia Research aims to set a gold standard for dementia research and ultimately find a cure.'

Mr Blunkett, who will be assessed for the brain bank when he reaches 65, said: 'I've pledged my brain tissue for research as I know how vital it is to defeat dementia.

'As Vice President of Alzheimer's Society I have seen first hand the devastating impact of this condition that affects 700,000 people in the UK.

'I hope to be using my brain for a good while yet, but I'm pleased to know that it may help people in the future when I no longer have need of it.'

A survey commissioned for the launch of the brain bank found only 31 per cent of people are aware it is possible to donate your brain after death for dementia research.

This compares to 86 per cent who are aware of heart donation for transplant and 72 per cent who know of the possibility to leave your whole body for medical science.

Pat Boyes, whose husband, former MP Roland Boyes, died of Alzheimer's said 'It's so vital that we support research into dementia to help future generations be rid of this terrible disease.

'I'm donating my brain to the brain bank and I'm proud that my legacy could help researchers to make the treatment breakthrough we so urgently need.

'I've visited the brain bank and seen that every one is treated with great respect by the scientists and is enormously valuable in the fight against dementia.'

Brains for Dementia Research has centres at London, Manchester, Oxford and Cardiff.

Those who register to donate to Brains for Dementia Research will be assessed at the age of 65 and then monitored each year.